CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

Ricoh has added two prime lenses to its full-frame lens roadmap for the Pentax K-1: the forthcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4. Although details are scant, we did sneak a peek at the 50mm, which was showcased in a plexiglass box on the show floor.
Here it is - the forthcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4 'reference lens'.

CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

If you look closely at the gold ring on the lens barrel, a strip of tape has been used to cover up some lettering, after the lens name. We wonder whether it conceals 'WR'. We'd expect flagship primes to be weather-sealed, but it's possible that this aspect of the specification has yet to be finalized.

CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

Although this appears to be a cosmetically (more or less) final lens, it stayed firmly under plexiglass. We asked really nicely, but this was as close as we could get.

CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

Designed to cover a full-frame imaging circle, the 50mm and 85mm primes will, according to Ricoh, deliver 'high-contrast images and [a] beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect'.

CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

The FA* denotes flagship, reference lenses, which should represent the pinnacle of image quality for the K-mount when they are eventually released.

CP+ 2017: Ricoh teases upcoming D FA* 50mm F1.4

We'll add more details (and images) if we can persuade someone to lift up the box and show us the lens at close quarters, but for now, here's a picture of a Pentax KP that's been cut in half, just to tide you over.
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